Interface for controlling and accessing information on an exercise device

ABSTRACT

Techniques for use with a display device associated with an exercise device include partitioning a display of the display device to form a first portion of content, partitioning the display of the display device to form a second portion related to exercise information or control of the exercise device, and in response to selection of a selectable element, causing the display to display the content and not display the second display portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIO

This application is a continuation and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. Section 120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/866,154,filed May 24, 2001, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/206,834, filed on May 24, 2000, which isincorporated by reference herein. The disclosure of each priorapplication is considered part of and is incorporated by reference inthe disclosure of this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to exercise equipment and computer networking.

BACKGROUND

In the exercise industry, a relatively homogenous group of peoplefrequent fitness centers and use exercise equipment. These peopleinclude fitness-minded individuals in the middle to upper income levelwith a concern about their health. Currently, there is not an effectiveway to tailor the marketing of products and services to theseindividuals based upon their common interest in fitness and frequentvisits to the gym. Accordingly, fitness centers generate little or nomarketing revenue for advertising to their membership the products andservices of other companies.

Conversely, the Internet provides a conduit for delivering marketing andother information however does not provide an efficient way to tiemarketing information with a homogenous group of individuals.Unfortunately, many portals and other websites have attempted to do thisvaried success. The costs associated with large advertising campaigns ontelevision, radio and even the Internet urging people to visit a websiteoften exceed any revenue stream they could reasonably generate. Inparticular, there are no existing systems capable of tying togethercustomers in the exercise industry with the power and direct marketingcapabilities of the Internet.

Others have clearly failed to recognize the capabilities of using theInternet in the fitness industry and with fitness equipment.Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,509 concerns controlling exerciseequipment remotely and U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,839, merely aggregatesexisting functions on a computer connected to the Internet with anexercise bicycle.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the invention, a method for use on a display deviceassociated with an exercise device includes connecting a networkconnection to the exercise device capable of accessing informationstored over a network, partitioning a first portion of the displaydevice associated with the exercise device to display content,partitioning a second portion of the display device associated with theexercise device to display one or more controls that control theexercise device, and providing a selectable element on the displaydevice that upon selection removes the second portion of the displayused to display the one or more controls.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for improving the usabilityof an interface for an exercise device includes connecting a networkconnection to the exercise device capable of accessing informationstored over a network, partitioning a first portion of the displaydevice associated with the exercise device to display content having oneor more selectable elements, partitioning a second portion of thedisplay device associated with the exercise device to display one ormore controls that control the exercise device, and providing aselectable element in the second portion of the display device that uponselection increases the size of the one or more selectable elements inthe first portion of the display device.

Aspects of the invention provide at lease one or more of the followingadvantages. Display devices can be used to display both controls forexercise equipment and information retrieved over a network such as theInternet including text, graphics, and other multimedia information.Because the information is shared efficiently on a single displaydevice, costs associated with creating the exercise equipment can becontrolled. In addition, centralizing the controls and display ofcontent on a single display device makes using the exercise equipmenteasy even though the user can also access the Internet while using theequipment. The user does not have to perform any complex steps to shiftbetween controlling the exercise equipment and accessing web pages overthe Internet.

The feature that increases the size of selectable elements such ashypertext and selectable graphics greatly improves the usability of theexercise equipment for accessing content and other information whileexercising. The increased font sizes and images of these selectableelements make them easy to access while a user is exercising. The usercan see the selectable elements more readily and, because the area toselect is increased, is less likely to make errors when selecting theelements.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting numerous network-enabled exercisedevices (NED) connected to a network.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the architecture of an exemplaryNED as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart diagram illustrating the market dynamics createdbetween the NED, fitness centers, emarketers, and fitness customersusing the device.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a flow chart diagram of the operations associatedwith formulating the cost associated with the NED.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram of the operations associated withcustomizing the content delivered to a display device on the NED.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram of the operations associated withproviding incentives to users operating the NED.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram of the operations used to control agraphical user interface designed to work with the NED.

FIG. 8 is flow chart diagram of the operations that control display ofselectable elements on the display device of the NED.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart diagram of the operations used to selectivelyreset one or more of the NEDs.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart diagram of the operations to deliver customizedcontent on the NED.

FIG. 11 includes screen images depicting aspects of the graphic userinterface used with the NED.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart diagram of the operations to select a secondaryadvertisement on a network-enabled exercise device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting numerous network-enabled exercisedevices (NED) connected to a network 111. In one implementation, network111 facilitates communication between NED local server 102, NED localserver 104, NED local server 106, and NED regional server 108. Each NEDlocal server 102, 104, and 106 are located in relative close proximityto a set of NEDs. For example, NED local server 102 can be ageneral-purpose computer running a multi-tasking and multi-useroperating system to manage resources used by NEDs connected to localnetwork 110. Functions performed by NED local server 102 can include avariety of functions such as providing long-term storage for NEDs,temporary caching storage for processes running on NEDs, and operatingas a router device transmitting packets between the NEDs and NEDregional server 108 over network 111.

Alternatively, network local server 102 can be a dedicated routerdesigned specifically to route packets between NEDs on local network 110and network 111. NED local server 104 and NED local server 106 providesimilar functionality for NEDs connected to local area network 112 andlocal area network 114 respectively.

NED regional server 108 is a clearinghouse for information generated byNEDs connected to NED local server 102, NED local server 104, and NEDlocal server 106. For example, information transmitted from a NEDconnected to local area network 110 passes through NED local server 102and network 111 for further processing by NED regional server 108.Information processed by NED regional server 108 is stored on NEDdatabase 109 for future reference. The processing performed by NEDregional server 108 includes statistical analysis of information,tracking personal preferences and workout routines for individuals usingthe NEDs, managing delivery of content to NEDs, and optionally managingoperation of NEDs remotely.

Information in NED database 109 is an integral component of system 100.NED database 109 includes raw information concerning a user's exerciseactivity as well as use of the Internet, television, advertisements, andelectronic-commerce (e-commerce). In addition, it also includesstatistical information such as demographics and psychographicsdescribing the population of users exercising while accessing theInternet and other sources of information.

From a user's standpoint, Internet access enhances each exerciseactivity and provides additional information previously unavailable. Forexample, users can store their exercise history and engage insophisticated training programs using a combination of software loadedon the NED and the Internet. Further, users can also engage intraditional functions available on the Internet and the World Wide Websuch as gathering daily news from an on-line newspaper, reading emails,and listening to music, all while exercising on the NED.

Companies marketing products and services through the NED also gainadditional efficiencies and benefits. These businesses have an immediatechannel to market their goods and services to a captive audience with awell-known demographic makeup. By actively collecting informationvoluntarily from each user and passively through the exercise regimeneach practices, future on-line behavior and spending patterns can bemore readily predicted. Additionally, information collected while theusers access the Internet can also be used to better understand theirpersonal interests and hobbies. For example, NED regional server 108 cangenerate statistically significant correlations between users and theircommercial preferences by tracking the web-sites they visit and theclick-through hypertext links they access while exercising.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the architecture of an exemplaryNED as shown in system 100 in FIG. 1. In one implementation, a NEDincludes a memory 202, an exercise device 204 connected to input/outputports 206, a touch-panel display 205 also connected to input/outputports 206, a processor 208, a secondary storage 210, and a networkinterface 212 all connected together by bus 214. I/O ports 206 gatherinformation from exercise device 204 and display the information ontouch panel display 205. The NED can also be produced as a thin-clientwith lower costs and functionality by eliminating larger and/or moreexpensive components such as secondary storage 210. For example, insteadof storing information locally on secondary storage 210, the thin-clientNED stores information over a network on a storage device.

The design of NED is modular and uses numerous commercially availableoff-the-shelf devices for ease of integration and cost effectiveness.Accordingly, I/O ports 206 are programmed to communicate withconventional exercise device 204 and touch panel display 205 usinginterfaces accepted in the exercise device industry. For example, I/Oports 206 communicate with exercise device 204 using standard physicalserial interface protocols such as IEEE RS232 communications and othercommunication protocol such as the CSAFE communications standardtypically used in the exercise device equipment industry. Touch-paneldisplay 205 accepts input when user operates exercise device 204 andcontrols the various features on the exercise equipment. For example,touch-panel display 205 can be used to increase or decrease theresistance on a bicycle-type exercise device. It may also be used tocontrol other aspects of exercise device 204 such as the duration of thesession , the selection of a simulated terrain and/or the difficultylevel associated with operating the device. Alternate implementationscan control the NED using other types of control devices in conjunctionwith or in lieu of touch panel display 205 such as a touch pad, a trackball, or voice activation.

Processor 208 can be a general-purpose processor such as a Pentium orX86 compatible processor developed by Intel Corporation of Santa Clara.Secondary storage 210 can be a disk drive, CD-ROM, or any other storagedevice used for long term storage of information. Network interface 212provides access to a network such as the Internet through a variety ofphysical and logical network protocols including, for example, TCP\IPand Novel NetWare.

Memory 202, I/O ports 206, processor 208, secondary storage 210, andnetwork interface 212 can be packaged in a standard form-factor such asa personal computer and integrated with existing exercise device 204 andtouch panel display 205 or other control devices as discussed above.This modular approach of integrating existing exercise equipment with acomputer provides a cost-effective and reliable platform for accessing alarge network such as the Internet. Alternatively, these variouscomponents can be integrated into a customized exercise device. Forexample, components such processor 208, secondary storage 210, networkinterface 212, can be integrated into an existing printed circuit boarddesign already in use on existing exercise devices. This designintegrated design is particularly useful if large volumes of the NEDsare manufactured.

When a user operates the NED, a variety of processes execute in memory202 including a graphical user interface (GUI) module 216, exerciseequipment applications 218, a data collection module 220, an electroniccommerce and security module 222, a reliability module 224, a contentmanager module 226, and a run-time environment 228. GUI module 216provides a specially designed user interface for the user to control aNED during exercise and access content-rich information on a networksuch as the Internet. GUI module 216 includes features speciallydesigned to operate with touch-panel display 205 while a user is engagedin cardiovascular exercise. As will be discussed in further detailbelow, GUI module 216 facilitates easy access to the Internet andassociated websites by enhancing hypertext links, Internet browsercontrols, and other selectable content. For example, GUI module 216facilitates easier control of exercise device 204 through touch paneldisplay 205 by adjusting the size and location of the control buttons.

Exercise equipment applications 218 include a variety of applications.These applications can be used by a user operating the NED, an exercisefacility providing access to one or more NEDs, or a NED service providercompany managing personal information on users and generatingdemographic information through NED regional server 108. These exerciseequipment applications 218 include providing users with databaseapplications for storing their workout histories as well as suggestingspecific workout programs for their particular exercise needs. Users canalso utilize exercise equipment applications 218 to manage their accessto the Internet and engage in e-commerce transactions. For example,exercise equipment applications 218 can seek out websites and otherlocations on the Internet with information tailored to a person'sspecific interests such as a schedule of sporting events or newtechniques for improving one's performance in various athletic events.

Exercise equipment applications 218 can also be used in conjunction withsystems for managing operations and membership activities at a healthclub facility where the NED is installed. These applications can gatherinformation on exercise devices to assist health club personnel todetermine when to perform maintenance, whether to purchase additionalexercise devices, and what types and quantity of additional exercisedevices to purchase. The applications can also be used to transmitspecial messages from the health club to a specific user such as paymentof dues, marketing of membership bonus programs currently available, orother specific communications.

Data collection module 220 includes a set of routines that gather realtime information from exercise device 204 related to a user's exerciseregimen as well as information on Internet access. Routines in datacollection module 220 provide an application programming interface (API)for exercise equipment applications 218 and generate informationsuitable for transmission over bus 214 through network interface 212.For example, this can include opening specific TCP/IP ports over theInternet to transmit data as well as packaging information into objectscompatible with an object-oriented program language such as Java. In oneimplementation, data collection module 220 includes client and serverroutines that execute on NEDs and servers such as NED local server 102and NED regional server 108 respectively.

Electronic commerce and security module 222 provides routines useful intransacting business over the Internet and securing the correspondinginformation with suitable encryption safeguards. These routines includeobtaining keys for public-private key encryption as well as controllingthe download of software from trusted sources on the Internet. Thismodule also includes order forms for gathering personal informationuseful in electronic commerce such as name, shipping address, creditcard information, and purchase order information and transporting thegathered information using security mechanisms like secure-socket layer(SSL).

Reliability module 224 simplifies managing a large number of NEDsconnected to a network. Routines in reliability module 224 gather usageinformation on an NED to schedule preventative maintenance on the NEDand troubleshoot problems as they arise. In addition, reliability module224 also includes specialized routines that monitor operation of the NEDand reset the NED as appropriate. Additional information on resettingthe NED is discussed in further detail below.

Content manager module 226 determines what content is displayed on touchpanel display 205 to the user. Content includes text, images, andmultimedia information that may be of interest to the user. Usingvarious processes described below, content can be selectively displayedaccording to personal characteristics of a user and marketing criteriaoutlined by vendors of specific products or services. Content managermodule 226 also controls the download of multi-media files over network111 through network interface 212 for storage on a database located onsecondary storage 210.

Run-time environment 228 manages various resources on the NED to executemodules in memory 202 and control operation of exercise device 204.Accordingly, run-time environment 228 can be a real-time operatingsystem or a traditional general-purpose operating system such as MS-DOS,Windows, or UNIX.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart diagram illustrating the market dynamics createdusing NEDs in a fitness center. The NED alters the traditional businessmodels used by fitness centers whereby the purchase of exerciseequipment is offset by the sale of memberships. This paradigm shift infitness center operations can be attributed, in part, to the generationof e-marketing revenue and providing easy access to the Internet. Ingeneral, e-marketing includes at least three different forms of valuablebusiness opportunities: advertising specific products and services overthe Internet to develop name recognition and strong branding; using theInternet for direct marketing and encouraging a user to take immediateaction in the purchase of a product or service over the Internet; andcompany sponsorship campaigns for the purpose of getting a user toaccess a particular web-service providing additional content orinformation. These powerful e-marketing opportunities combine the impactof television, the targeting capabilities of direct mail, and theinteractivity of the Internet. On a large scale, a network of NEDsprovides a platform for traditional marketing and e-marketingopportunities, all of which can be customized using demographic andpsychographic information.

In this business model, supplier 302 invests in the equipment,infrastructure and services required to integrate and connect exerciseequipment to the network as NEDs. Netpulse Commuications, Inc. of SanFrancisco, California is one company that operates as supplier 302 andsupplies the equipment, infrastructure and services required toestablish NEDs in various fitness centers throughout numerous geographicregions. Supplier 302 can also include a company that manufacturesexercise equipment already equipped with processors and networkconnectivity for accessing the Internet.

This business model is a “sponsor media customer model” because networksponsorship money raised through e-marketing offsets the capitalinvestment necessary to purchase, integrate, and/or manufacture NEDs. Inone implementation, supplier 302 supplies equipment infrastructure tofitness center 304 priced according to the estimated usage by users 306.Fitness center 304 attracts and retains additional users 306 to itsfacility by providing exercise equipment having Internet access (NEDs)and value-added applications for use with the NEDs. By attracting andretaining additional users 306, the fitness centers generate additionalrevenue. Further, the NEDs can also be used to justify the higher duesin more upscale centers even though the center does not specificallycharge for their usage.

In return, fitness center 304 allows e-marketers to provide e-marketingto users 306. For example, fitness center 304 allow the display ofsponsorship information, advertising, and direct marketing campaigns onthe NEDs used by users 306 in their facilities. As e-marketing revenue308 increases, those parties providing exercise equipment networkinfrastructure such as Netpulse Communications, Inc. offset theequipment costs and begin generating profits. If fitness center 304meets or exceeds estimated user usage levels, it may also obtain largerrebates on the equipment or, in some cases, share in the e-marketingrevenue received by exercise equipment supplier 302.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowchart diagrams of the operations associated withformulating the price of a NED. Usage-based pricing of equipment isimportant as it enables fitness centers to justify installing newequipment that would otherwise require a large capital outlay or largeperiodic payments. Instead, the e-marketing revenue streams generatedindirectly by users operating a network of the NEDs offset these costs.For example, e-marketing revenues are generated when e-marketers pay forvarious e-marketing campaigns and through users participating ine-commerce transactions while operating the NEDs.

A usage pricing method as described herein is one of the many exerciseequipment applications 218 depicted in FIG. 2. In FIG. 4A, usage pricingmethod 400 receives usage information (step 402). In one implementation,each fitness center gathers specific usage information manually bygathering statistical information on either, its overall facility suchas total members, total exercise equipment and total member visits perday, or its specific fitness members' typical exercise regimen or bysurveying the user population at the fitness center. This type ofinformation can be gathered by the fitness center on a regular basissuch as daily, monthly, bi-annually, annually, or as deemed necessary bythe parties involved. This information on actual usage is provided tosupplier 302 and used directly to determine the price of the NED. Theprice of the NED can include the periodic service fee charged to thefitness center operating the exercise equipment as well as any purchasecosts associated with purchasing the NED.

Another implementation uses the Internet and the World Wide Web tocollect data from fitness centers. Using a customized survey availableon the web, operators of fitness centers provide statistical informationon the fitness center described above and request a corresponding quotefor the NEDs. This statistical information is processed by a computerprogram that automatically determines pricing information for the NEDsas described in further detail below.

In another implementation, the usage level of the exercise equipment isestimated from prior usage information, information related to themembers using the NED and the operation of the facility and specificexercise equipment. Prior usage information from the fitness center isgathered, for example from a survey on the Internet, to determine ifthere is an increasing trend or a decreasing trend in the future usageof the NED. Future usage levels are predicted by combining either thefitness facility's data with a historical model based on other NEDinstallations, or demographic trend information with statisticalinformation about the members using the exercise equipment in thefacility. The statistical information relates to age, sex, weight,education, income level, and geographic location. For example,increasing usage levels of the NED in the fitness center combined withan increase in the number of females in the fitness center can be usedto estimate the future actual usage levels of the NED over time. Ingeneral, the predictive power of this approach depends not only on theaccuracy of the information but the appropriateness of the model used toprocess and interpret the information.

Usage levels of the NED can also be predicted by periodically measuringand generating a set of metrics from the statistical information. Thesemetrics corresponding to information such as age, sex, weight,education, income level, and geographic location can be used to estimateusage. Other metrics can also be included if they are useful inidentifying future users of the exercise equipment and a frequency inwhich they are likely to exercise.

Alternatively, usage information can also be gathered in real-time bymonitoring the NEDs installed in each fitness center and collecting theinformation in a central location such as NED regional server 108.Real-time collection of usage information has the advantages of beingaccurate without requiring additional work from the fitness center. Italso provides objective information on the usage of the NED. The usageinformation includes statistical information related to the operation ofboth the overall exercise facility and the specific exercise equipmentin the facility. If the facility does not already have NEDs installed,usage information related to conventional exercise equipment can beutilized and extrapolated for estimating usage of the NEDs.

To determine how much the NED is to be discounted, usage pricing method400 compares the usage with one or more threshold values (step 404). Ifusage does not exceed a first threshold value (step 406) then a fitnesscenter may be charged the highest service fee rate above the base ratein the pricing schedule (step 412). However, if the usage exceeds afirst threshold value but does not exceed a second threshold value (step408) then the fitness centers may be charged only a higher service feeabove the base rate (step 414). Finally, if the usage exceeds a secondthreshold value but does not exceed a third threshold value (step 410)then the fitness center will be charged a base rate with no service fee(step 416). Finally, if the usage exceeds a third threshold value (step410) the fitness center will not be charged either a base rate orservice fee for the NED (step 418).

Threshold values used to compare against usage information include afrequency the users operate an exercise device; the duration or lengthof time the user operates the exercise equipment; the frequency a userviews e-marketing content, and the absolute number of users using theNED. For example, the viewing frequency threshold can be compared withthe frequency a user views e-marketing content on the display device ofthe NED while exercising.

Fitness centers can also reduce costs associated with NEDs if the actualusage exceeds the initial estimated or projected usage provided by thefitness center. Referring to FIG. 4B, fitness centers charge a base rateand service fee in steps 412, 414, and 416 can receive rebates on theperiodic fees they are charged. Usage pricing method 400 compares actualusage with estimated or projected usage (step 420) and if the actualusage is higher, (step 422) a rebate for a portion of the periodic feecharged to the fitness center is provided (step 424).

A similar scheme is applied to fitness centers whose estimated usageexceeds the threshold for charging no base rate or service fee (step418). In these fitness centers, actual usage is also compared withestimated usage in FIG. 4B (step 426). If actual usage exceeds arequisite e-marketing threshold (step 428) then these fitness centerscan potentially share a revenue generated from the various e-marketingactivities (step 428). In some cases, this e-marketing threshold mayneed to be set higher, for example, if profit margins on the e-marketingare small or relatively low compared to the NED cost. Using this pricingmodel, fitness equipment used by these latter fitness centers shiftsfrom becoming a capital expenditure to becoming a source of revenue.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart diagram of the operations associated withcustomizing content delivered to a display device on a network-enabledexercise device (NED). Content customization process 500 receivespersonalization and usage information for a user (step 502) and receivese-marketing parameters associated with the e-marketing campaign (step504). For example, personalization and usage information can includeage, weight, height, demographics, psychographics, and any otherinformation useful in customizing content.

E-marketing parameters are determined by the e-marketers and correspondto users with specific personalization and usage information. Forexample, e-marketing parameters can be used to target a specific useraudience having a certain specific combination of demographic and/orpsychographic characteristics such as income level, gender, and interestspecific sporting activities.

Content customization method 500 selects appropriate e-marketing contentby comparing the personalization and usage information with thee-marketing parameters set by the e-marketers (step 506). Once thee-marketing information is selected, the location of the e-marketingcontent must be determined. If e-marketing content is not already storedon the NED (step 508) then e-marketing content is obtained from a LAN orWAN Internet server such as a computer with a large storage device (step511). If the e-marketing content is on the NED (step 508) thene-marketing content is obtained directly from a storage deviceassociated with the NED (step 510). In both cases one or morethird-parties are notified that an impression of the e-marketing contenthas been made (step 512) and e-marketing content is displayed on adisplay device (step 513). These third parties can include, a companyrunning the e-marketing campaign, a third party audit company, or athird party serving the content.

The e-marketing content is displayed for a predetermined period of time(step 514) at which point the process is repeated. If a user selects thee-marketing content before this predetermined time period elapses (step516) then a third-party is notified that the content has been selected(step 518).

Once a user has selected content, secondary content may also bedisplayed such as TV commercials, movies, and other advertisements.Specifically, content customization method 500 determines if thesecondary content is available for display (step 520) before actuallydisplaying the secondary content (step 522) or potentially even tertiarycontent associated with the secondary content (step 524). Although onlythree types of displays are mentioned multiple types of content can beadded as needed under the circumstances. For example, additional contentcan be chained together that increasingly focuses the user on a specificproduct or service. The content includes video and audio clips providedin a number of different formats such as banner advertisements, webpages, pop-up displays, and other types of content. Alternatively, if nosecondary or additional content is available or if content customizationmethod 500 is programmed not to display such additional content, thedisplay process is complete. This process of displaying e-marketingcontent on the display device of the NED repeats as long as the useroperates the NED.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart diagram of the operations associated withproviding incentives for users to operate the NED. This includesproviding users with both active and lifetime usage points for using theNED over a period of time. Active usage points are usage points accruedincrementally for each additional period of time a user operates theNED. For example, an active usage point can be awarded for eachadditional mile a user operates a bicycle-type NED. Active usage pointsencourage each user to operate the NED for increasingly longer periodsof time during each workout.

In contrast, lifetime usage points are used to encourage each user toreturn to the fitness center's NED over a longer period of time such asmonths or years. The lifetime usage points represent the aggregate totaltime a user has worked out on various pieces of NEDs. Unlike activeusage points, lifetime usage points cannot be spent and thereforegenerally increase over time and continuous usage. The lifetime usagepoints can be used to categorize users into higher categories forreceiving bonuses and promotions. For example, riding an exercisebicycle 1000 measured miles over a period of one year or less canqualify a user for 1000 lifetime usage points and eligibility for largerbonuses or awards. These bonuses or awards can be discounts to thefitness center or can be tangible products such as workout gear,exercise equipment, or other incentives.

In operation, incentive award process 600 receives general usageinformation corresponding to a particular user (step 602). Thisinformation can be gathered in real-time from the NED or can be gatheredmanually at the fitness center and entered into a database such as NEDdatabase 109 connected to NED regional server 108.

Incentive award process 600 processes the general usage information andincreases the active and lifetime usage points for the user (step 604).If the users lifetime usage point totals exceeds one or morepredetermined milestones/threshold levels (step 606) then the user isprovided a bonus/award commensurate with the specific milestone level(step 608). For example, if a users lifetime usage points exceeds 1000units then a user can be placed in a “gold” program where everyadditional active usage point earned receives double credit.

Incentive award process 600 also allows a user to spend active usagepoints on a variety of goods and services. In one implementation, theuser utilizes electronic-commerce (e-commerce) available on the NED touse the active usage points. In an additional implementation, the usercan use the active usage points in e-commerce transactions from otherdevices other than the NED such as a personal computer, personal digitalassistant (PDA), or even a cell-phone device. These devices can beoperated at home, work or a mobile setting and used to access a web siteon the Internet configured to exchange the active usage points withgoods, services, and other forms of currency.

If the user decides to spend active usage points (step 610) thenincentive award process 600 automatically decreases active usage pointsaccording to the amount the user spends (step 612). The user thenobtains products/services, rewards or discounts on products as a resultof the transaction (step 614). Alternatively, if the user chooses not tospend any active usage points, the user simply accrues the usage pointsto spend at a later point in time.

Fitness centers can also customize incentive award process 600 forspecial promotions and marketing campaigns. For example, incentive awardprocess 600 can award additional usage points for frequent visitors ofthe fitness center. This type of program would award users additionalpoints for visiting the fitness center on a regular basis in addition toawarding usage points for operating the exercise equipment. To promoteuse of the NED during low-utilization periods in the fitness center(e.g. 2:00 P.M. on Sundays), incentive award process 600 can beprogrammed to provide additional active usage points to users operatingthe NED during this slow time period.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart diagram of the operations used to control agraphical user interface (GUI) for use with a NED. The GUI is animportant aspect of the NED as it defines the users experience whileexercising on and operating the NED. Initially, the GUI displays contenton the display device of the NED (step 702). This content can includevarious e-marketing information such as advertisements, direct-marketingopportunities, and sponsorships as well as information not strictlyclassified as e-marketing content such as content available innewspapers, commercial publications, bulletin boards, Internetnewsgroups and information sent through emails.

The GUI also displays controls for accessing the Internet andcontrolling the NED through the display device (step 704). Thesecontrols can be used to operate the NED as well as configure the usersprofile used in conjunction with the NED. For example, these controlscan be used to set the duration of the exercise session and thedifficulty setting on the NED. The controls can also be used tocustomize the users profile including personal information such as age,weight, height, target pulse rate, and target calories.

In one implementation, a first portion of the display device ispartitioned to display content and a second portion of the displaydevice is partitioned to display one or more controls for controllingthe exercise device. Selectable elements on the display device receiveinput from the user and control operation of the exercise device. In oneimplementation, a touch-screen displays one or more buttons that theuser touches to control operation of the exercise device. GUI receivescontrol input (step 706) and passes this control information on tocontrol the exercise machine (step 708). If the user input is not tocontrol the exercise device, it can be to modify the configuration ofthe GUI. For example, the user may request the GUI to remove thecontrols for the exercise machine from the display screen. If the usertouches the proper selectable element on the display screen to removecontrols (step 710) then the GUI removes controls from the displayscreen and increases the area on the display screen to display content(step 712).

Selectable elements such as buttons used to control the exercise devicecan be placed in a border portion of the display device. These controlsare removed from the display device by sliding the border portion like adrawer into the outer edge of the display whereby they disappear fromview. Meanwhile, the content in the first portion of the display deviceis increased to occupy that portion along the border where the controlswere originally displayed.

Interface 1102 and interface 1104 in FIG. 11 illustrate an exemplary GUIconsistent with the present invention. Interface 1102 depicts a GUI withcontrols in a first portion on the left-hand border and content in asecond portion in the field of the display. Interface 1104 depicts a GUIhaving a second portion with controls on both the left and right bordersof the display and content in the field portion of the display.

In both examples, the bottom section of interface 1102 and 1104 displaysadvertisements and/or e-marketing related information. By placing theadvertisements and/or e-marketing information adjacent to metersdisplaying information important to the user while working out, it ismore likely that the advertisement information will be considered orpossibly “clicked on”. For example, a user checking metered informationsuch as the duration of the workout or the calories burned during thework out invariably will also consider the advertisements placed nearthe meter values and as a result may engage in an e-commercetransaction.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart diagram of the operations that control display ofselectable elements on the display device the NED. Selectable elementsdisplayed on the display device on the NED are modified for ease of useby users of an exercise device. This user interface provides acombination of graphic content, hypertext, text, video, audio, and othertypes of information on the display device (step 802). As needed, theuser interface scales bit map graphic information and hypertext linkssuch that they can be readily displayed together on the display device.

At the user's discretion, the interface receives an indication toincrease the font size used for displaying hypertext and otherselectable elements on the display device (step 804). By increasing thefont size of hypertext and other selectable elements, the user is ableto select these elements with greater ease while exercising on the NED.

The interface increases the font size of hypertext and other selectableelements on the display but not other content displayed on the displaydevice (step 806). By increasing the font size of the selectableelements independent of the graphic images, the user can read hypertextmore easily and thereby facilitate easier selection of the selectableelements containing text. For example, increasing the font size ofhyperlinked text is increased but the adjacent images are not increasedin size and/or resolution. As necessary, user interface can also reducethe area occupied by the text and graphic content on the display devicethat is not selectable (step 808). This accommodates for the increasedsize of hypertext and other selectable elements on the display device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart diagram of the operations used to selectivelyreset one or more NEDs on a network. This method of selectivelyresetting NEDs improves the reliability/up-time and reduces the amountof administration necessary to manage these devices in an environmentsuch as a fitness center with few information technology personnel.

Each NED starts operation when the device is powered on (step 902).Powering on each device can include providing power to the exerciseportion of the device as well as providing power to the processorportion of the device used to access the Internet and control operationof the exercise device. A reboot timer is reset to a predetermined timeperiod (step 904). The reboot timer begins counting down units of timeimmediately after being reset. For example, a reboot timer may be resetto count down 300 seconds. The reboot timer communicates with the NEDover a input-output interface yet operates as a separate device from theNED to ensure proper reset of the NED when necessary.

A selective reset process 900 determines at a predetermined interval ifthe reboot timer period has elapsed (step 906). This predetermined timeperiod is less than the time set in the reboot timer. If the reboottimer has elapsed, selective reset process 900 determines if an “ok”signal has been transmitted from the NED (step 908). If the “ok” signalwas transmitted from the NED, then the reboot timer period is reset tothe predetermined time period (step 904) and the selective reset process900 is repeated. Alternatively, if the “ok” signal has not beentransmitted, selective reset process 900 sends a “reboot” signal toprocessor causing it to reset. In one implementation, the NED transmitsan “ok” signal in a command string transmitted over a serial portconnected to an embedded processor executing selective reset process900. The command string contains a one character command optionallyfollowed by a four character datafield. The embedded processor executingselective reset process 900 reads the characters off the serial port andperforms the operation specified in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart diagram of the operations used to delivercustomized content on a NED. These operations are used to customize theinterface a user sees according to user profile information describingthe user and the list of available content and services being providedto the NED. A user logs into the NED with a login and passwordcombination (step 1002). The NED may request the user enter user profileinformation into the system the first time the user logs in.Alternatively, the user may also update existing user profileinformation with details about the user such as age, weight, gender, andother vital statistics. In addition to helping customize content, thisinformation can be used in association with using the NED.

Once logged in, the NED then retrieves user profile information (step1006) stored either locally on a storage device on the NED or over anetwork and receives a list of available content and services (step1004). Custom content process 1000 compares available content andservices with parameters in the user profile (step 1008). For example,information on the user profile relating to age, sex, income and otherpersonal characteristics may be used in this comparison.

These values are compared with corresponding metrics defined by thecontent and service providers according to the markets they areinterested in targeting. Accordingly, custom content process 1000 thenselects available content and services based on the comparisons (step1010). At this step, custom content process 1000 selects content andservices that most closely matches the user profile information. Customcontent process 1000 then formats the content and services for displayon the display device (step 1012). For example, FIG. 11 shows interface1102 and interface 1104 with content customized for a particular user.Specifically, interface 1102 includes several advertisements that may beof interest to the particular user on the NED. Similarly, categories ofinformation on interface 1104 are also selected because of the potentialinterest in the user operating the NED.

If the user profile changes over time (step 1016) this process isrepeated and the content is customized according to those changes.Further, if content or services change over time (step 1018) the processis also repeated again whereby new content or services are alsoselected.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart diagram of the operations used for generatingcustomized e-marketing content on the display device of a NED. Unlikethe pure content the user may subscribe to and read every day,e-marketing content includes information being advertised or pitched tothe user as a potentially interesting product or service the user shouldpurchase. Accordingly, customizing the e-marketing content also hasadvantages that customized content also provides. For example,customizing e-marketing content improves the effectiveness ofe-marketing campaigns by providing a user with a secondary, tertiary,and additional e-marketing content related to a selected primarye-marketing content. Multiple levels of related content allow thee-marketing campaigns to further focus the user on a particular productor service being offered.

At first, custom advertisement process 1200 receives a user profile forthe user operating the NED (step 1202) and receives selection criteriafor selecting an e-marketing content(step 1204). The user profile andselection criteria for the e-marketing campaign are compared (step1206). For example, user profile information includes demographics,psychographics, historical actions, and current actions. Demographicsinclude such information such as gender, age, height, weight, andincome. Psychographic information includes information on personalinterests and activities such as sports and entertainment. Historicalactions address actions a user has taken in the past such as theirworkout regimen and websites visited on the Internet while operating theNED. User profile information also includes current actions reported inreal-time such as watching particular sports events on TV, listening toclassical music from a radio station on the Internet, identifying wherethe user is geographically located, and determining the time of day asthe user is exercising.

Selection of the primary e-marketing content is made according to thecomparison (step 1208). The specific selection criteria for the primarye-marketing content generally depends on specific campaigns designed bythe e-marketers. The selection criteria developed from these campaigndescriptions include user targeting information and various campaignmetrics for measuring the efficacy of the advertisements. Once theprimary advertisements are selected, custom e-marketing process 1200also downloads secondary and if appropriate tertiary e-marketing contentin preparation for subsequent display of the content (step 1212). Toobviate download delay times for the user, the secondary and tertiarycontent can be downloaded and stored on each NED at night while the useris not operating the NED. Secondary e-marketing content is stored on astorage device such as on a hard-disk on the NED or a server connectedto the network. Custom e-marketing process displays e-marketing contenton the display device of the NED (step 1216) meanwhile a third-party isnotified the primary e-marketing content impression was presented to auser(step 1218). If the user does not select the primary e-marketingcontent this process is repeated with a new primary e-marketing content(step 1220).

However, if the user selects a primary e-marketing content (step 1220),a third-party is notified that the primary e-marketing content has beenselected (step 1222) and custom advertisement process 1200 retrieves asecondary e-marketing content from storage on the NED (step 1224). Thissecondary e-marketing content is then displayed on the display (step1226). For example, a secondary e-marketing content can include ahigh-impact “TV commercial” presented on the display device orinteractive question and answer application for the user to inquiry moreinformation on the particular product or service.

If the user then selects the secondary e-marketing content (step 1228)then custom advertisement process 1200 notifies a third-party that thesecondary advertisement has also been selected (step 1230).Alternatively, if the user does not select the secondary e-marketingcontent, custom advertisement process 1200 repeats the overall stepswith a new set of primary and secondary advertisements.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: partitioning a display ofa display device to form a first display portion of content;partitioning the display of the display device to form a second displayportion related to exercise information or control of an exercise deviceassociated with the display device; and in response to selection of aselectable element, causing the display to display the content and notdisplay the second display portion.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereincausing the display to display the content includes increasing the areaon the display for the first display portion.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein partitioning a display of a display device to form a firstdisplay portion of content includes displaying video content.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, wherein displaying video content includes displayingtelevision content.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprisingreceiving the content from a network.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinpartitioning the display of the display device to form a second displayportion related to exercise information includes displaying meteredinformation from the exercise device.
 7. The method of claim 6, whereindisplaying metered information includes displaying a duration of aworkout or calories burned during a workout on the exercise device. 8.The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving user input from theselection of the selectable element, wherein the selectable elementincludes a touch pad.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the selectableelement includes a button.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the buttonincludes a button on the display.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein theselectable element includes one of a voice activated receiver, atouch-screen or a track ball.
 12. A computer system for use with anexercise device, comprising: a display; a graphical user interfacemodule for displaying content, partitioning the display into a firstdisplay portion of content and a second display portion related toexercise information or control of the exercise device and adjusting asize or a location of display portions on the display; and an I/O portconfigured to communicate with the exercise device.
 13. The computersystem of claim 12, wherein the I/O port uses a CSAFE communicationsstandard.
 14. The computer system of claim 12, further comprising anetwork interface for providing access to a network.
 15. The computersystem of claim 12, further comprising a processor and a button, whereinthe button is configured to send instructions to the processor to causethe graphical user interface module to adjust the size or the locationof first display portion or the second display portion on the display.16. The computer system of claim 12, further comprising a memory havinga content manager module configured to control downloading of thecontent and a data collection module configured to gather informationfrom the exercise device related to a user's exercise regime.
 17. Acomputer-implemented method, comprising: receiving content from anetwork; partitioning a display of a display device to form a firstdisplay portion for the content; partitioning the display of the displaydevice to form a second display portion related to exercise informationor control of an exercise device associated with the display device; andin response to selection of a selectable element, causing the display todisplay the content and not display the second display portion.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein partitioning a display to form a firstdisplay portion for content includes displaying video content.
 19. Themethod of claim 17, wherein partitioning the display of the displaydevice to form a second display portion related to exercise informationincludes displaying a duration of a workout or calories burned during aworkout on the exercise device.
 20. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising receiving user profile information from the network, whereinthe user profile includes at least one of a user's age, weight orgender.